Wireless iTunes patent

A newly uncovered patent application by Apple appears to cover wireless iTunes distribution. It covers a method of buying a song, ring tone or music video from an online store over a wireless network, according to CNET News.com. Published on Thursday, but filed in December of 2004, the Apple patent describes an invention that allows cell phone or wireless handheld users to interact with an online music store--such as iTunes--and mark a song or video file that can be downloaded to a computer at a later time, according to the report. "The invention appears to be a way for Apple to capture revenue from music fans with short attention spans. For example, cell phone users on the go who hear a song might want to purchase that tune right away, but by the time they get back to their PC, they've forgotten the name of the song or the artist. According to the application, the invention would allow cell phone or wireless-PDA users to essentially bookmark a song or video on an online music store. Then, they return to their PC, they could download it over a fast network. If bandwidth permits, they might be able to download the song or file directly to their phone."

by MacNN Staff